Yes or no? Ask the quantum oracle

Yes, no, or the coin-toss trick

Psychologists have a neat use for random answers. In one large experiment, economist Steven Levitt asked people stuck on a decision to flip a coin, and people who made the change the coin suggested reported being happier six months later, on average. You don't need to obey the answer. Just notice how you feel the moment it lands: relief or a sinking feeling tells you what you already wanted.

Want more than a yes or no? Try a yes or no tarot reading, where one card answers and explains why, or ask the crystal ball.

Questions about the yes or no oracle

How does the yes or no oracle decide?

It "measures" a pretend qubit that is exactly 50% yes and 50% no, using true random numbers. In maybe mode each answer has a one-in-three chance. On the wheel, eight equal slices alternate yes and no.

Is the answer really random?

Yes. Each answer comes from your browser's cryptographic random generator, mixed with quantum random numbers from the Australian National University when they are available. Nothing about your question changes the odds.

Why ask a random oracle at all?

Because of the coin-toss trick: when the answer lands, notice whether you feel relief or disappointment. That feeling often tells you what you really wanted.

Can I use it to decide something important?

Please don't. Use it for small things like what to eat or whether to go out. For big decisions, talk to people you trust.

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